Sunday, January 8, 2017

Coconut oil benefits

Hey Guys and Gals! Shanna here. If you know me, you know how much I love my coconut oil. If you ever come to me with a problem, I will more than likely tell you to get some coconut oil.

Do you remember how Windex was the cure all for Gus Portokalos from My Big Fat Greek Wedding? This is how I am with my coconut oil. From rough skin to bad credit, coconut oil is my cure all.

Below are my top 10 favorite uses for coconut oil.

1. In-Shower body oil

Hello hydration! Living in cold or hot climates can do a number on your skin and it's important to take care of it! I personally mix 2 parts coconut oil, 1 part aloe vera gel, and 1 part grape seed oil in a spray bottle and keep it in my shower. After my shower routine, I spray my body and rub the oil all over before rinsing the excess off. Once I am out of the shower I pat my skin dry and dress normally. My skin is hydrated all day and smells fantastic!

Disclaimer: I would be very careful as this can make your tub VERY slippery. Be sure to use caution. I have an automatic shower cleaner which assists with cleanup.

2. Makeup remover

Ugh! Oh how I hate fighting with the removal of mascara! I use to have the hardest time with this until I started using coconut oil. It used to be that no matter how much make up remover I would use I would still have mascara left on my lashes. And the price tags on some of these make up remover's were cutting into my pocket pretty deep.

Remove make up easily by simply taking a cotton ball with some coconut oil and gently massaging into your make up. Follow up with your normal facial cleansing routine.

3. Hair mask

Apply a dime to quarter-size dollop to your hair (this depends on your length and thickness), comb it through your ends and work up to your roots and massage into your scalp (which will also stimulate hair growth), and then pile it into a loose bun. You'll want to leave this on your hair for at least an hour. If you plan on keeping it on over night you'll want to place a soft towel over your pillow or sleep in a shower cap. In the morning (or when your ready), shampoo as usual with a gentle cleanser. Note that you may need to shampoo more than once to get all of the coconut oil out depending on the thickness of your hair.

4. Scrub-a-dub-dub body scrub

Did you see Holly's post about South Florida Organics luscious body scrubs? My love for coconut oil pushed me to begin making my own organic skincare and was basically why South Florida organics was created!

Want to make your own at home? Warm ½ cup of coconut oil at very low heat in a double broiler. Pour it over 1 cup of organic sugar or natural sea salt and stir well. If you have some on hand, add in five drops of your favorite essential oil or some pure vanilla extract for a scrub so fragrant you'll want to eat it! Because theres no preservatives you'll want to use this up within 3 months and ensure you keep it tightly sealed.

5. Fresher breath!

Coconut oil has antifungal and antibacterial properties. Take a table spoon full of coconut oil and gargle for 15-20 minutes (also known as oil pulling). This can help clear up germs in the mouth, leading to fresher breath, whiter teeth, and healthier gums.

6. Makeup-Brush Cleaner

Cleaning your makeup brushes should be (at the least) a monthly ritual. You can use a DIY cleanser that's two parts antibacterial soap (I like this one from Dr. Broners) and one part coconut oil. Blend your brush into your cleansing mixture, rinse, and repeat until your brushes rinse clean.

7. Stretch-Marks

Expectant as well as new moms (Holly!) should keep a jar of coconut oil nearby to help ward off stretch marks, but anyone can use this as a topical treatment for scars. While the coconut oil won't fade any marks right away, it can help prevent dark spots and blisters from forming. When mixed with shea butter and cocoa butter, you're more likely to see a fade of marks overtime.

8. Itch relief

Burns, bug bites, and bruises can all be soothed with a topical balm of coconut oil.